Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Ezekiel

Ezekiel 
Day 
Day 285

"They gave splendour to you"

Text: Ezekiel 27:10

TRADING PARTNERS

Tyre was a small city-state when compared to many other countries. But Tyre managed to secure trade deals. It was also able to hire mercenaries to protect the nation.

“Those from Persia, Lydia, and Libya
Were in your army as men of war;
They hung shield and helmet in you;
They gave splendour to you.
Men of Arvad with your army were on your walls all around,
And the men of Gammad were in your towers;
They hung their shields on your walls all around;
They made your beauty perfect.”
Ezekiel 27:10-11

1. Tyre’s army.

a) It was common for all nations to have its own army.

b) But Tyre was a small nation and would never be able to have a strong national army.

2. The hiring of mercenaries.

a) Tyre hired mercenaries.

b) Five nations were mentioned:

i) Persia

ii) Lydia (Turkey)

iii) Libya (North Africa)

iv) Arvad (Canaanite)

v) Gammad (Origin is uncertain)

c) These were the mercenaries Tyre depended on to protect the nation.

3. Description of the mercenaries.

a) They were “men of war”.

b) They “gave splendour” to Tyre.

c) They were the protectors who hung their “shields” proudly on display.

d) They made the beauty of Tyre “perfect”.